“Earth to Echo” openly steals the Spielberg concept of kids coming face to face with a cuddly alien, who works his magic on the kids. Actually the picture’s only Interested in selling smart phones to the children.

I found it obnoxious that the film drives us nuts using the herky-jerky hand held camera, suggesting that the movie’s being recorded by one of the hyper-active kids.

Echo meantime tries ingratiating himself with his admirers hoping the movie just might get better. The young cast is equally irritating and likely never to be seen or heard from again.

If only the popcorn could relieve the headache the bouncing camera gave me.

Parents, you take your kids to see “Earth to Echo” at your own risk.

More than one parent came up to me after the movie to share their disappointment. Unlike “E.T.”, “Earth to Echo” is emotionally empty and completely devoid of charm and good cheer. In other words I’m giving this insultingly dull rip-off one star.

I don’t know how else to say it except “Earth to Echo” is a waste of money.